Make Your Own Purifying Sage Fire-Starter

Fresh Sage
Cotton twine or string
Old Newspaper

In many Native American traditions, safe is considered a sacred herb and burning it is believed to release a purifying energy that can cleanse a space of negative spirits or feelings. Most people would be hard-pressed not to find sage's woodsy scent appealing. Cut long stems of fresh sage. Gather into bunches and secure in bundles by tying their stems together with cotton twine. Hang upside down in a hot, dry space (your garage or attic rafters are ideal). When they are dry, wrap the bundles loosely in sheets of old newspaper and stack neatly until ready to use. Tuck a few beneath your logs when you're ready to start a fire, then light the newspaper ends as kindling.